Local Law Firms Home > Criminal Defense Overview > Juvenile Vandalism Crimes Juvenile Vandalism CrimesToddlers have an innate curiosity that sometimes brings them to destroy things. The effect of seeing something destroyed can be entertaining, intriguing and even exciting for a child. Such a curiosity is only natural. Unfortunately, sometimes this curiosity doesn’t leave and a young adult find themselves childishly vandalizing public and private property. Has your child been accused of a vandalism crime? Consult with an experienced juvenile crime defense attorney in your local area to discuss your case. Vandalism is defined as any action that causes actual physical harm to property, or that diminishes the property's value. Vandals with most often tag buildings with spray paint, break windows or destroy fixtures. Juvenile vandalism normally results in:
Whenever a teen is accused of a crime, that juvenile is dealt with through the juvenile justice system. In the juvenile justice system, courts have a much wider range of options then they would if an adult had committed the same crime. Juvenile offenses can have a range of penalties and punishments that would not be relevant to adult cases. The penalties can vary greatly from case to case. The court will consider a number of factors in determining the appropriate punishment such as the value, importance, and the condition of a vandalized product. This means that even though fines or confinement may be possible punishments for vandalism in your state, that doesn't necessarily mean a juvenile court judge will impose that punishment. It should be noted that in the event that a national monument or federal guarded institution is vandalized, charges could be far more severe. Despite vandalism being a crime, it is important to ensure that the punishment fits the crime. Studies have shown that juvenile cases that are have severe punishments can lead a child to a life of crime. If your child has been accused of vandalism it's important to speak to legal professional for assistance. Contact a juvenile crime defense lawyer in your local area today! Did you know? There is no specific law that separates adult and juvenile vandalism. Though some courts may treat juvenile cases differently. |